What is the Deposit Return Scheme?
The Deposit Return Scheme is one of the most significant environmental policy shifts in decades.
From 1 October 2027, a small refundable deposit (around 20p) will be added to every eligible single-use plastic bottle and aluminium can sold in the UK. Consumers get it back when they return empty containers to a registered collection point or reverse vending machine.
The aim is to divert an estimated 24.5 billion drinks containers per year into a dedicated closed-loop recycling system — dramatically improving recycling quality and reducing litter nationwide.
What must hospitality venues do to comply with the DRS?
Hospitality venues including pubs, restaurants, cafés, hotels and theatres are not required to be mandatory return points currently under the Exchange for Change (EfC) scheme.
However, it expected that they will be included in a second phase of the DRS rollout.
Talk to our DRS consultants to prepare for the future roll-out for hospitality and to get a free waste audit to see the percentage of eligible containers in your recycling.
What must offices and other workplaces do to comply with the DRS?
Your office or workplace is not required to operate a DRS return point, but the scheme will affect how containers are managed across your existing waste streams.
Your staff will have bottles that can they could get a deposit for, so it's worth considering a workplace returns option. This will also ensure your recycling rate is not impacted by changing legislation as First Mile can continue to collect your mixed recycling and separated plastic bottles and cans - and provide full reporting of materials collected.
Talk to our DRS consultatants today and explore our DRS solutions for workplaces without the full cost of a reverse vending machine solution.
